Alignment 2011 Heritage Softail

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Dec 1, 2018 | 12:00 AM

Stuffa

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 38

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From: Aussie

Alignment 2011 Heritage Softail

just after a bit of advice my 2011 Heritage has always pulled a little to the left if I take my hands of the bars. To get it to run straight I need to shift my body weight over to the right. I’ve checked my wheel rear wheel alignment numerous times and it is right measuring from swing arm bolt to axle. Also belt seems to run true.
Any ideas why the bike doesn’t run straight

Dec 1, 2018 | 03:59 AM

Wizardofaus

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2017

Posts: 1,451

Likes: 230

From: United States

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuffa

Are the fork tubes equal length in the head stock ?.

If the tubes are off set that will cause a mild tack to one side, just something to look at being you say the **** end is running true.

Wiz 🍺

Dec 1, 2018 | 08:07 AM

Bluraven

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 3,971

Likes: 901

From: Omaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuffa

First fix; don't take you hands off the bars

My 09 Heritage has always pulled to the left; I believe it's the nature of the bike.
When I put my tool roll and rain gear in the right saddlebag it did seem to offset the drift a bit so perhaps that might work for you if the drift is an issue.

Dec 1, 2018 | 08:35 AM

golfblues

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,741

Likes: 1,598

From: Danbury CT

My 09 Heritage always pulls to the left. If I take my hands off the bars I have to shift my butt over to the right about 3 in. And everything is in alignment.

Dec 1, 2018 | 07:26 PM

jkinner

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 560

Likes: 88

From: Gila Bend AZ

Same on my 16 Deluxe, +1 with Bluraven, I don't take my hands off the bars. Ride safe, Merry Christmas.

Dec 1, 2018 | 08:02 PM

DK Custom

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Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 18,685

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From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuffa

I spent a lot of time on the same issue on my 2012 Heritage. It can take a bit to make sure everything is aligned correctly, and even then it can pull a bit one way or another. Sometimes this is due to it being solid mounted and HD tolerances are a bit loose, resulting in the engine being mounted, ever so slightly, off-kilter.

Once you get everything aligned, including the forks, perfectly, if it still pulls, then adjust the alignment a bit to get it to go straight. You may end up with slightly more wear on one side of the tire, but at least you will have a bike that goes straight down the road.

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Dec 2, 2018 | 08:26 AM

swifty

Road Captain

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 588

Likes: 199

From: Danbury Connecticut

My bike pulls to the left also. One day I put it in neutral while going down a hill, took my hands off the bars and the bike ran straight! It must have something to do with the left side drive.